Title: Taking Care of your Teeth and Gums
1Taking Care of your Teeth and Gums
Brushing and flossing your teeth isn't hard to
do. And doing both correctly can help prevent gum
disease and tooth loss. Gum disease is caused by
bacteria found in plaque and tartar. Plaque is a
sticky film that forms on the teeth. It is mostly
made up of bacteria, mucus, food, and other
particles. When plaque is not removed, it hardens
into tartar, which gives a home to bacteria.
Some studies show that people with gum disease
are more likely have heart disease than those
with healthy gums. Researchers aren't sure why
that is gum disease isn't proven to cause other
diseases. But it makes sense to take care of your
mouth like you do the rest of your body.
2Taking Care of your Teeth and Gums
Why Dental Check-up is so Important? The problem
we have is that many of us ignore the health of
our mouth, especially when we compare it to our
overall body health. We allow problems to develop
before we actually visit the dentist. There are
a wide number of issues this creates but we have
listed the two most common issues left unchecked
Allowing Gums to Bleed Allowing your gums to
bleed helps create cavities and inflamed gums -
pockets develop under the gum-line filled with
bacteria that eat away the teeth and eventually
the bone causing tooth loss. Visiting the dentist
regularly can ensure your gum health is properly
maintained and early treatment prevents serious
problems developing.
3Taking Care of your Teeth and Gums
Why Dental Check-up is so Important? Tooth
Pain Tooth pain is most often caused from
cavities forming. Once a cavity reaches the stage
where it is causing pain then root canal
treatment is more likely, or an extensive
filling. Regular check-ups ensure that the
beginnings of a filling can be identified,
treated and additional brushing routines
created. Overall dental health check-ups will
dramatically decrease the potential for all oral
health problems becoming serious. They are also
cost effective compared to paying for expensive
major dental works such as tooth replacements,
crowns and gum repair. Check Up Costs Are
Low Dental check-up cost is not that high
including a check of your teeth and gums and also
covers basic treatments including scaling,
polishing and the application of fluoride
varnishes and fissure sealants. You will also
receive advice on preventing issues developing
and your brushing technique and habits.
4Taking Care of your Teeth and Gums
Best Practices for Healthy Teeth and Gums Brush
Regularly but not Aggressively Most people are
aware that brushing their teeth twice a day is
one of the most important practices for removing
plaque and bacteria and keeping teeth clean.
However, brushing may only be effective if people
use the correct technique. People should brush
using small circular motions, taking care to
brush the front, back, and top of every tooth.
This process takes between 2 and 3 minutes.
People should avoid sawing back-and-forth
motions. Brushing too hard or using a
hard-bristled toothbrush can damage tooth enamel
and the gums. The effects of this may include
tooth sensitivity, permanent damage to the
protective enamel on the teeth, and gum erosion.
5Taking Care of your Teeth and Gums
Use fluoride Fluoride comes from an element in
the earth's soil called fluorine. Many experts
believe that fluoride helps prevent cavities, and
it is a common ingredient in toothpaste and
mouthwash. Floss once a day Flossing can remove
plaque and bacteria from between the teeth, where
a toothbrush is unable to reach. It can also help
prevent bad breath by removing debris and food
that has become trapped between the teeth.
See a Dentist Regularly Experts recommend that
people see a dentist every 6 months for a
check-up. During a routine dental examination, a
hygienist will clean the teeth and remove plaque
and hardened tartar. The dentist will check for
visual signs of cavities, gum disease, mouth
cancer, and other oral health issues.
6Taking Care of your Teeth and Gums
Do not Smoke Smoking harms the body's immune
system, which makes it difficult for the body to
heal tissues, including those in the mouth.
Consider a Mouthwash Some studies indicate that
certain mouthwashes can benefit oral health. For
example, one review found that mouthwash
containing chlorhexidine, an antibacterial
ingredient, helps control plaque and gingivitis.
Mouthwashes with certain essential oils are also
effective, according to a meta-analysis. Limit
Sugary foods and Starches Consuming sugar can
lead to cavities. Studies continue to highlight
the significant role that sugar plays in adverse
dental health outcomes. Common culprits include
candy and desserts, but many processed foods also
contain added sugar. Drink water instead of
Sugary Drinks Sugar-sweetened beverages are the
number one source of added sugars in the typical
diet. Sipping on soda, juice, or other sugary
drinks can lead to a higher risk of cavities.
7Taking Care of your Teeth and Gums
Why Australian Dental Health NSW? Australian
Dental Health NSW is an Independent Initiative
providing all school students dental treatment
beyond the Medicare eligibility criteria, meaning
all students are able to participate. ADHNSW is
an independent, stand-alone company that can see
both non-eligible children alongside those who
are eligible. The organisation runs on its own
accord to ensure all children across the board
are receiving vital treatment and we will
continue to work beyond the Child Dental Benefits
Schedule.
8Taking Care of your Teeth and Gums
Thank You